Job Discussion Forums

[vagabon'sean]

I�ve been reading as much as I can on this site trying to figure out if I can actually support myself while teaching in Thailand, and frankly at this point my head is just swimming and I feel like I�m getting nowhere. My situation is complicated by the fact that I haven�t finished my university degree. Although I do have the requirements for a different (lesser) degree, I believe that accepting that degree precludes me from continuing on with the one I was working towards. I�m looking into getting around that but at this point I�m assuming I�ll have no degree when I leave. I know I should really finish the degree before I go to teach, but I really need a year or so off to clear my head and decide what direction I�m taking with that. But I digress.
So at this point I�m trying to understand what I can expect, keeping in mind of course the limitations of �this is Thailand,� and you can never be 100% sure of any situation. From what I�ve read it seems that people have went to Thailand with less than I�m working with, ie not even a bit of a university degree (I realise that a bit of a degree is as good as no degree so maybe I shouldn�t even say that), and been able to make a life for themselves. Can I earn enough and at the same time not work a terrible job?
Is it realistic for me to attempt to find a reasonable job, or am I only qualified for jobs that wouldn�t be worth my time. For example, am I limited to working long hard hours, six days a week, nothing but split classes, for one of the less reputable private schools, or do I have a good chance, if I work for it and try selling myself as much as I can, to get in at a descent school with a descent working schedule/conditions. How much will I have to compromise in my situation, and would it be better for me to maybe start considering other countries where I don�t have to compromise as much?
Will I be able to make enough at the jobs I could qualify for to live a descent modest lifestyle and not have to worry about calling home to beg for money for the return flight, and maybe travel around Thailand or the surrounding countries a little? Is 30 k baht re
Will I be limited to working in Bangkok where the majority of the jobs are, or would I possibly be able to find jobs elsewhere, such as Phuket or somewhere on the coast like that? Id like to be close to the ocean since Im sure I can entertain myself for free there for a pretty long time.
Is it the best bet to just head over there to start looking for jobs posted in hostels etc or would I have a chance getting in with an international organization I could get in touch with while I was still here in Canada? How long can I expect it to take to find a job and how much money will I need to bring to support myself till that happens?
Well I could ramble on with a million more questions I�m sure, but I think those are all the important ones. I very much appreciate any help/guidance that can be offered. All that I have read about the culture and history of Thailand has me very excited at the prospect of living there and being a part of such a unique country. I however do realise that it just may not be possible to make this happen or it may just be a better idea to head somewhere else to teach, and I�m trying to explore those possibilities too so any advice there would also be helpful.
Thanks so much
Sean

PS: Sorry for the gigantic post.

[sigmoid]

In my opinion it's not worth going to teach in Thailand even if you do have a degree because it's just too difficult to make more than a 1000 USD/month which I would consider a minimum salary.

[sojourner]

Sean,

I agree with you that finishing your degree is extremely important.In SE and East Asia,it is becoming more difficult for non-graduate teachers to find reasonable jobs.

Anyway,couldn't you complete the requirements for your degree through some online or distance learning course ? If your own uni doesn't provide for online/dl courses,ask the administrators whether you would be allowed to do a couple of such units/courses at another institution for the purpose of cross-crediting to your degree programme ? If so,you could go to Thailand now and work.As Sigmoid mentions,the money earned,and the sort of work that you'll be doing may not appear to be too exciting,but at least it'll give you some experience of living in a very colourful and exciting Asian society ! And as soon as you have completed your degree's requirements,come over to China where you'll have a reasonable chance of getting a uni/college job, and be paid a much better salary than what Thai language schools would ever offer you ! Also,in China,unis/colleges usually provide rent-free,fully-furnished flats for their foreign teachers.I'm not sure about Thai unis,but I've heard that language schools there hardly ever provide housing for their teachers.

If your uni does not permit cross-crediting,then stay at home until you have fully completed your degree's requirements.

BTW,have you undergone any TESL training,yet ?

Good luck,


Peter